In 2009 the regulatory framework for environmental protection in Queensland was revised, which standardised the regulations under which mine sites operate. Mines in Queensland are now subject to a site-specific individual environmental authority which outlines, amongst other things, the conditions that must be met for release of mine affected waters to the receiving environment. Compliance is managed through a combination of end-of-pipe water quality limits and downstream receiving environment water quality limits with river flow triggers. However, opportunities to release are dependent on a number of site-specific factors that may include installed site pumping infrastructure and site water quality. These factors together can effectively limit practical release opportunities. Limited release opportunities can result in the accumulation of mine-affected water on-site and with it the accumulation of dissolved salt. As a result, sites may be compelled to use other means to reduce their water inventory, without due consideration of the impact on salt inventory. This paper provides a case study of a coal mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin. The mine is located within the Isaac River catchment. Using a calibrated OPSIM dynamic water balance model for the site that incorporates dissolved salt, the impact of water management targeted at water inventory reduction is examined and the impact that unsustainable water management practices can have on a site's ability to manage its future inventory.CITATION:Reeves, L R andMacintosh, JC, 2013._x000D_
Exercising the duty of care to the environment - linking environmental protection with the release of mine affected waters, in Proceedings Water in Mining 2013 , pp 51-56 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).